On July 10, 2026, during his visit to Valaam, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow performed the rite of the consecration of the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God “Life-Giving Spring,” located on the northern side of the outer quadrangle of the central compound of the Transfiguration of the Savior Valaam Stavropegial Monastery.
Among those participating in the service were Metropolitan Barsanuphius of St. Petersburg and Ladoga, Metropolitan Grigory of Voskresensk, Metropolitan Konstantin of Petrozavodsk and Karelia, Bishop Pankratiy of Troitsk, Abbot of Valaam Monastery, and Bishop Alexiy of Ramensk, Personal Secretary to the Patriarch.
Also in attendance were the Head of the Republic of Karelia, Artur Parfenchikov, SIBUR CEO Mikhail Karisalov, and Sergey Rudov, Deputy Head of the World Russian People’s Council.
The liturgical hymns were performed by the Valaam Monastery Festive Choir under the direction of Dmitry Funtusov.
Addressing those gathered, Patriarch Kirill described the consecration as a significant spiritual event, emphasizing that every newly consecrated church strengthens the spiritual foundations of the people and serves as a source of grace for those who worship there.
Referring to the historical and spiritual significance of Valaam, he noted that the monastery had endured wars, persecution, and atheistic rule, yet remained a place marked by profound spiritual witness and monastic devotion.
“Every church that we consecrate gives us hope that those who pray and serve there will receive everything necessary for the salvation of their souls and for the salvation of those who come seeking God’s mercy,” the Patriarch said.
To commemorate the occasion, Patriarch Kirill presented the church with an icon of the Holy Prince Alexander Nevsky depicted not in military armor, as is customary, but wearing the monastic schema. He also called on the faithful to pray to St. Alexander Nevsky for the well-being of Russia, its authorities, and “especially our Orthodox President,” asking that strength be granted to all who work for the preservation of the faith and the strengthening of the nation.
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Source: patriarchia.ru
